methods of production

• Job production is a manufacturing approach where products are customised or made to order according to specific customer requirements.
• Job production involves the production of individual or small batches of products, each tailored to meet the unique needs of the customer.
• Job production is commonly used in industries such as custom furniture, bespoke clothing such as a wedding dress, specialised machinery, and even large items such as a yacht.
• One advantage of job production is customisation, which allows businesses to create unique, tailor-made products that precisely match the customer's requirements.
• Another advantage of job production is high-quality output, as individual attention is given to each job, resulting in greater focus on quality control and ensuring that the final product meets the customer's expectations.
• Job production enables businesses to provide personalised service and build strong customer relationships.
• One disadvantage of job production is higher costs due to the customisation involved, which can result in higher production costs due to the need for specialised materials, labour, and equipment.
• The initial investment in machinery and equipment might also be high in job production.
• Another disadvantage of job production is longer lead times, as each job requires a unique setup and production process, leading to longer lead times compared to mass production methods.
• Job production is not conducive to achieving economies of scale compared to other production methods, as the focus is on producing individualised products rather than large quantities.
• Batch production enables items to be created stage by stage in bulk to meet a specific demand.
• The production process is stopped on the completion of each batch.
• A new batch, usually of a different product, is then produced using the same equipment and workforce.
• Examples of batch production include a bakery producing a batch of biscuits, a pharmaceutical company manufacturing a batch of medicine capsules, or an electronics manufacturer producing a batch of smartphones with identical specifications before moving on to the next batch.
• Insufficient inventory can lead to production stoppages due to a lack of materials or components.
• Batch production offers cost-efficiency as larger quantities of a product can be produced at a time, resulting in lower production costs per unit.
• Sales may decline or come to a halt, causing cash flow problems for the business.
• Batch production offers flexibility, balancing customisation and efficiency, while products within a batch are typically standardised, minor variations or modifications can be made within each batch to cater to specific customer preferences.
• Customers who don't receive their orders on time will be dissatisfied, which can harm the business's reputation.
• Producing products in batches enables better planning and scheduling, optimising the use of resources, equipment, and labour.
• Having a reputation for being unreliable may lead to customers switching to competitors, leading to loss of market share, reduced sales and lower profits.
• Batch production makes it easier to implement quality control measures and ensure consistent quality within each batch.
• Batch production may incur higher setup costs as each new batch requires a setup change, which can incur additional costs for retooling or making alterations to the production line.
• Batch production may lead to longer lead times as it still requires setup time between batches, which can lead to longer overall lead times compared to continuous mass production.
• Batch production may offer less customisation as products within a batch are typically standardised, while job production may offer the same level of individualisation as batch production.
• Flow production, also known as continuous production, is a method that enables a product to be created in a series of stages on an assembly line.
• In flow production, items move continuously through the production process.
• Large numbers of the same goods are produced continuously in the flow production process.
• Flow production is usually highly automated.
• Examples of flow production include automobile assembly lines, where cars move through various stages of assembly in a continuous flow, and food and beverage bottling plants, where products are filled, sealed, and labelled in a continuous, high-speed process.
• Advantages of flow production include high efficiency and productivity, as it allows for a continuous and streamlined production process, maximising efficiency and productivity.
• Compared to other methods, products are produced at a fast rate in flow production, minimising downtime time and maximising output.
• Mass production enables economies of scale, resulting in lower unit costs per product due to higher volumes and optimised use of resources and machinery.
• With standardised production processes and strict quality control measures, flow production ensures consistent and uniform product quality.
• Flow production enables fast production turnaround times, allowing businesses to meet high demand and respond quickly to market needs.
• Disadvantages of flow production include a lack of customisation, as it focuses on producing large quantities of standardised products, limiting the ability to accommodate individual customisation or variations.
• Flow production requires significant upfront investment in specialised equipment, production lines, and automation systems.
• Once a flow production line is set up, it is designed for specific product types and may not easily adapt to changes or variations in product design or features.
• Flow production heavily relies on continuous operation of machinery and equipment.
• Any breakdown or malfunction can disrupt the entire production process and cause delays in flow production.